2009 Ford F-150 Lariat

The F-150 is Ford's full-size pickup, the truck that anchors the brand's lineup and goes up against the Silverado and Ram 1500. It drives with a solid, planted feel, and the steering is direct enough that you forget you're in something this big. The ride is smooth for a truck, especially on the highway, though you'll feel bumps more when the bed is empty. The cabin is roomy with comfortable seats, and the rear seats fold up to open a flat load floor for gear. Stepping up from the XLT to the Lariat brings leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, and a premium sound system as standard. Its 5.4L V8 makes 320 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic that shifts smoothly and keeps the engine in its sweet spot. The Lariat can be ordered with a locking rear differential, which helps when you're pulling a trailer out of a muddy job site.